Open day invite to keep active in golden years

A series of free open days are being held in sports centres across the county to showcase the fantastic classes, facilities and support on offer to the more mature residents of Northumberland.

Active Northumberland is running a campaign to help encourage the older generation to keep fit and active and is inviting adults aged 65 years and over to attend the sessions which will be taking place in local sports centres throughout October.

Fully trained and friendly staff will be on hand to show visitors around, answer any questions and offer professional advice. There will also be the opportunity to watch a class in action and get a free cup of tea or coffee afterwards.

Those who attend will be given a voucher entitling them to a free class, gym session or swim at their chosen sports centre.

Active Northumberland offer a full range of classes. Some of those more suitable for seniors include pilates, yoga, zumba, Active Life and aqua fit which are taught at a moderate pace, but still give a great workout to improve health, strength and flexibility.

Northumberland County Councillor, Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said:

“ As you get older, keeping physically active and taking part in regular exercise is one of the single most important things that you can do to keep yourself healthy. However, a trip to the local sports centre can be a really daunting prospect especially for someone in their more senior years.

“ We are laying on the open sessions free of charge especially with our older residents in mind, to take the stress out of their first visit and help them make the first steps to a more active life.”

The open sessions coincide with the launch of a special new discounted membership that Active Northumberland has introduced especially for older adults to help them stay fit and active.

People aged 65 years or over are now eligible to join up to Active Northumberland’s new Stay Active membership costing only £26 per month on either a three month flexible contract or with a one-off annual fee of £312.“ You're never too old to increase your level of physical activity and there are ways, with the correct advice and support that even those with physical or health limitations can exercise safely." added Cllr Homer.